Joint connection for log cabin logs



Nov. 19, 1935. RD 2,021,341

JOINT CONNECTION FOR LOG CABIN LOGS Filed Aug. 15, 1953 Jn'uc ntor,

B-B-Ward Patented Nov. 19, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE JOINT CONNECTION FOR LOG CABIN LOGS Bruce R. Ward, Presque Isle, Maine Application August 15, 1933, Serial No. 685,249 4 Claims. (Cl. 20-4) This invention relates to improvements in constructional details for building elements and pertains particularly to an improved joint for wall bodies, particularly logs designed for use in constructing log buildings.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved joint connection between superimposed logs whereby a tight locking connection will be established between the same which will effectively resist the entrance of air, dirt and moisture.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved joint connection between superimposed building logs wherein a perfectly tight joint will be established through the forcible penetration of an element of one log into an abutting log.

The invention will be best understood from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing forming part of this specification, with the understanding, however, that the invention is not confined to any strict conformity with the showing of the drawing but may be changed or modified so long as such changes or modifications mark no material departure from the salient features of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

In the drawing:-

Figure l is a view in perspective of a portion of a wall constructed with logs designed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view in end elevation of a group of such logs, showing the relation of the same before the completed joints are formed.

Referring now more particularly to the drawing wherein like numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the Figures 1 and 2 show a group of logs each of which is constructed in accordance with the present invention and each of which is indicated by the numeral I. In Figure 2 the logs are shown in their initial positions, while Figure 1 illustrates the relation of the logs after they have rested in superimposed relation for a period of time necessary to cause the joints to close in the manner hereinafter more fully explained.

In carrying out the present invention each of the logs is formed with the opposed upper and lower faces which are indicated respectively by the numerals 2 and 3.

The other faces of the logs may be finished as desired, as for example, the inner face 4 of each log may be made flat and at right angles to the upper and lower faces, while the outer face 5 may be left in its natural state so that when the logs are assembled in the construction of a wall, a rough finish will be obtained as in a log cabin structure.

The upper surface of each log is provided with 5 the longitudinally extending tongue 6 and upon either side of this tongue there is formed the rib I which is of materially less height than the tongue as is clearly illustrated.

The lower face 3 of each log is formed only 10 with a single longitudinally extending groove which is indicated by the numeral 8 and which is formed of the proper width and depth to receive a tongue 6 of another log.

In the use of the logs embodying the present 15 invention for the formation of a building wall, the logs are placed one upon the other in the manner illustrated in Figure 2 so that the tongues 6 are uppermost and when another log is placed over the first or bottom log the tongue of the 20 bottom log will enter the groove of the superimposed log and the ribs 1 will abut the flat surface at either side of the groove in the manner illustrated in Figure 2.

Since the logs usually employed in the forma- 25 tion of building walls are of soft wood, such, for example, as pine, fir, spruce or the like, and as the logs are placed with the grains of the same parallel, after a number of logs have been placed in position the weight which each must sustain will be suflicient to force the ribs 1 into the sur faces of the overlying log with which they are in contact. By this means each rib 1 forms its own groove in the overlying log and, therefore,

a perfect contact between the logs will be formed 35 throughout their lengths, whereas, such would not be the case if the grooves for the ribs were all 'pre-formed.

By this method of construction a perfectly tight air, dust and moisture-proof joint is assured, 40 whereas such would not be the case if the joints were formed, as previously explained, by making each log with grooves to receive the several ribs from the adjacent logs.

I claim:- 45

1. As a new article of manufacture, a wall forming body having upper and lower contact surfaces, the lower surface having a groove formed therein, a tongue forming an integral part of the upper surface, and a rib formed on the upper 50 surface adjacent to and parallel with said tongue.

2. As a new article of manufacture, an elongated wood body designed for use in the construction of a building wall, said body having upper and lower flat surfaces, said lower surface 55 ing an underface provided with a longitudinally extending groove, an upper surface, a tongue formed longitudinally of the upper surface for engagement in the groove of an overlying body, and a rib formed along the upper surface upon each side of and parallel with the tongue and pressed into the lower surface of an overlying body and forming its own groove therein.

4. A building 108 having upper and lower parallel prepared surfaces and one side surface of natural finish joining the prepared surfaces, one of said parallel surfaces having a relatively deep groove extending longitudinally throughout the length thereof, a tongue extending longitudinally throughout the length of the other of the par- 1 allel surfaces for engagement in the groove of a superposed log, and a rib formed on and extending throughout the length of the said other 10 one of the prepared parallel surfaces, in parallel spaced relation with said tongue and or less height than the same, the said prepared surface at either side of said groove being smooth throughout for engagement with a rib of an adiacent log.

BRUCE R. WARD. 

